Being in Care

When does a child go into care?

There are lots of different ways children and young people come into care. Usually there's time to plan how this will happen. For example, a decision might be made at a family group conference that it’s best for them to live with their aunty, or in another caring environment.

Sometimes the decision for a child to live with someone else happens quickly, because there's been an incident or emergency situation where we needed to work quickly to make sure they're safe.

Each situation is different. But our focus always remains the same – doing what's best for the child or young person, and making sure they have a safe, stable and loving home at the earliest opportunity. This might mean they can return home once things are sorted, living with wider whānau, or living with caregivers.